Department of Commerce: Bloghttps://www.commerce.gov/feeds/blog/category/2553
The most recent 20 items in this list.enBureau of Economic Analysis Releases for the First Time Prototype Statistics Measuring the Economic Effects of Outdoor Recreationhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/02/bureau-economic-analysis-releases-first-time-prototype-statistics-measuring
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/outdoor-recreaton-boating-infographic.png?itok=E2dcUZ40" width="200" height="200" alt="Infographic produced by the Bureau of Economic Analysis on how outdoor activities such as boating contribute to the U.S. economy" /></span>
<p>Americans who hit the trails to ski, bike or hike aren’t just working up a sweat; they’re also generating economic activity. Outdoor recreation accounted for 2.0 percent of the U.S. economy, or $373.7 billion, in 2016, according to <a href="http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/industry/orsa/orsanewsrelease.htm" target="_blank">prototype statistics for the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ newest special account.</a></p>
<p>The outdoor recreation economy grew 3.8 percent in 2016, compared with the overall U.S. economy’s 2.8 percent growth that year, the data show. This is the first time BEA has put numbers to a group of activities that encompasses catching fish, riding horses, flying gliders and more.</p>
<p>"Businesses need the right data to help them hire, invest and grow. The historical lack of detailed federal data regarding outdoor recreational activities has handicapped both the private and public sectors. The public will no doubt be surprised at the economic importance of this industry as we release prototype statistics measuring the impact of activities like boating, fishing, RVing, hunting, camping, hiking and more. This release is a milestone for business executives, small-business owners, entrepreneurs, and government officials, who will rely on these detailed data to plan, grow, and gain new insights into this dynamic part of the U.S. economy," said U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.</p>
<p>The release of these statistics, covering 2012 to 2016, is a significant step in the development of the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account. Feedback about the prototypes will be used to help finalize the methodology and presentation of the account, due for final release in the fall of this year. Outdoor recreation will join other BEA supplemental accounts that spotlight specific areas of the economy, such as travel and tourism and arts and cultural production.</p>
<p>Statistics shedding new light on the economic role of outdoor recreation will help businesses make decisions about hiring and investment and aid the work of policymakers and managers of public lands and waters.</p>
<p>The prototype statistics show the outdoor recreation economy through two different lenses: by type of activity, such as hunting or sailing, and by industries that produce goods and services for outdoor recreation, such as manufacturing or retail trade.</p>
<p>The data for activities is given as <strong>gross output</strong>—principally a measure of sales or receipts associated with each activity. Output for cycling, for example, includes sales of bicycles, bike gloves and accessories, bike repair services, and so on.</p>
<p>Outdoor activities centered on motorized vehicles, including RVs and motorcycles, stand out from the pack, accounting for $59.4 billion of gross output in 2016, more than half of it attributed to RVs.</p>
<p>Boating and fishing together represented $38.2 billion in gross output; hunting, shooting and trapping accounted for $15.4 billion.</p>
<p>When focused on industries, BEA estimated outdoor recreation’s role in each industry’s “<strong>value added</strong>” – a measure of its contribution to the U.S. economy or gross domestic product.</p>
<p>Retail trade, accommodation and food services, and manufacturing were the largest contributors by industry to the outdoor recreation economy in 2016. Retail trade alone accounted for 21.9 percent of all activity in the outdoor recreation economy, at $81.7 billion.</p>
<p>Industry statistics for value added, gross output, employment and compensation were each estimated using total outdoor recreation, which includes <strong>supporting activities</strong> such as construction, travel and government spending. (Examples include construction of a marina, a vacation trip to a national park, and a state building a hiking trail.)</p>
<p>When looking at the data by activity, however, you can see the breakdown for supporting activities versus core activities. In addition, the <strong>core activities</strong> are divided into two types, reflecting two popular definitions of outdoor recreation. <strong>“Conventional outdoor recreation”</strong> activities require some level of physical exertion and occur in natural environments. <strong>“Other outdoor recreation”</strong> activities qualify only under a broader definition that encompasses all outdoor activities undertaken for pleasure, such as attending outdoor festivals or visiting water parks.</p>
<p>In 2016, conventional activities accounted for 36.7 percent of outdoor recreation gross output and other activities were 22.1 percent. Supporting activities, such as trips and travel, accounted for the remaining 41.2 percent.</p>
<p>You can find the news release and data tables on <a href="https://www.bea.gov/outdoor-recreation/" target="_blank">bea.gov’s Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account page</a>, along with background material and frequently asked questions.</p>
<p>To submit comments about the prototype statistics or ask a question, email <a href="mailto:OutdoorRecreation@bea.gov">OutdoorRecreation@bea.gov</a>. Feedback will help BEA as it finalizes the definitions, data sources and methodology that underpin the new account and the format in which final results will be displayed in the fall. To ensure consideration, comments should be submitted no later than April 27, 2018.</p>
Wed, 14 Feb 2018 11:17:29 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/02/bureau-economic-analysis-releases-first-time-prototype-statistics-measuringHelping the American Economy Grow: 2018–2022 Strategic Planhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/02/helping-american-economy-grow-2018-2022-strategic-plan
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/blog_strategicplan2018-2022_cover.jpg?itok=LIpjaC2B" width="200" height="200" alt="2018-2022 Strategic Plan Cover" /></span>
<p>I’m excited to present the <a href="//www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/us_department_of_commerce_2018-2022_strategic_plan.pdf" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Commerce’s 2018–2022 Strategic Plan</a>. It sets out the priorities I’ve established for the Department and informs the public about our important work.</p>
<p>The Department of Commerce has one overarching purpose: <strong>Helping the American Economy Grow</strong>.</p>
<p>American workers and businesses operate in a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive world. To address these challenges, we have developed bold new strategies to accelerate and promote U.S. economic growth and opportunity.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="//www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/us_department_of_commerce_2018-2022_strategic_plan.pdf" target="_blank">Read the U.S. Department of Commerce’s 2018–2022 Strategic Plan.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Knowing that innovation is a key driver of economic advancement, we are placing an increased emphasis on the commercial opportunities of space exploration and aquaculture while our scientists are conducting foundational research in areas ranging from artificial intelligence to quantum computing. Our patent professionals are also working to improve the protection of intellectual property so that creators can profit from their inventions.</p>
<p>U.S. businesses must export more, and our workers deserve a level playing field. Enforcing our trade laws to ensure that trade is free, fair, and reciprocal is a top priority of the Department. We are also joining with all federal agencies in cutting red tape that drives up costs and puts American workers and businesses at a disadvantage.</p>
<p>To maintain America’s leadership in next-generation technologies, we are making important advances in data, cybersecurity, and encryption technology. Our economists and statisticians are improving Commerce data that American businesses and communities use to plan investments and identify growth opportunities. Every level of the Department will be engaged to ensure that we conduct the most accurate, secure, and technologically-advanced decennial census in history.</p>
<p>Finally, teams across the Department are working to keep Americans safe by predicting extreme weather events earlier and more accurately, preventing sensitive technology from getting in the hands of terrorists, rogue regimes, and strategic competitors, and deploying a nationwide public safety broadband network that allows better coordination among first responders.</p>
<p>Thank you to every employee at the Department and to our industry and government partners for your dedication to our mission.</p>
Tue, 13 Feb 2018 15:31:02 -0500solshefski@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/02/helping-american-economy-grow-2018-2022-strategic-planSpotlight on Commerce: Robin D. Bush, U.S. Economic Development Administrationhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/02/spotlight-commerce-robin-d-bush-us-economic-development-administration
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/robin-bush_crop.jpg?itok=lOebkWIQ" width="200" height="200" alt="Robin Bush" /></span>
<p><strong><em>Ed. note: This post is part of the Spotlight on Commerce series highlighting the contributions of Department of Commerce employees during Black History Month.</em></strong></p>
<p><em>Guest blog post by Robin D. Bush, LEED AP, Coordinator, Environmental &amp; Strategic Analysis &amp; Acting Area Director, U.S. Economic Development Administration</em></p>
<p>I manage the environmental program and the investment strategies of the Chicago Regional Office (CRO) of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). My primary responsibility is to administer the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act as they apply to programs of EDA within the six-state region of the CRO. I also advise CRO staff on strategies that guide EDA investments in the region. I represent the Chicago office on environmental related matters with state and federal regulators. I review and assess investments based on their applicability and conformance with NEPA and NHPA. I also, prepare and update the investment strategies and plans for the CRO and train staff on the strategies and plans.</p>
<p>I grew up in Buffalo, New York. I was bussed to elementary school and high school that was in a white, middle-class area because my parents thought I would get a better education. I really enjoyed the diversity of my elementary and high schools and thinking back it made me a better person. I decided I wanted to grow up and do something to make neighborhoods, communities, and cities more integrated, racially and economically.</p>
<p>I attended the University of Pittsburgh majoring in philosophy and politics. My initial thought was to become a lawyer and that way I could fight to ensure people could live in diverse stable neighborhoods. While applying to law schools, I discovered the field of city planning. I determined that studying city planning would be a better path for me in my endeavors. I attended the University of Pennsylvania for graduate studies in city planning. Eventually, I was hired as a Community Planner at EDA. Rising through various positions at EDA, I am currently enjoying the duties detailed to me as Acting Area Director.</p>
<p>I have thoroughly enjoyed working for EDA because our programs strive to assist the most distress areas of the country to make those economies stronger which will enhance neighborhoods, communities, and quality of life. EDA’s mission fits with what I had always wanted to do.</p>
<p>As a mother of two sons, I wanted to show the importance of being involved in community organizations and serving in leadership roles for various activities. I was the president of the Liberty Christian Young Adult Network, board president of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center, president of the Parent Teacher Organization at Beye Elementary, and co-president of the Parent Teacher Organization at Percy Julian Middle Schools. My husband also serves in various community organizations. Participating in these organizations instilled the importance of community involvement in our sons. Both of our sons have become involved in volunteering services and understand the importance of helping others in need and becoming leaders in the community. I felt it was important to instill this in my sons because it was a way to fight against the negative stereotypes young African American males have in this society.</p>
<p>Also, something that I have imparted to my sons is treating others how you want to be treated. This was something my mother taught me and being raised in “the church” laid the foundation of how I was raised. The Bible, with all the valuable lessons one can learn especially how to treat others, has also helped me overcome obstacles and prejudices I have come up against.</p>
<p>Black History Month is very important to me because it gives African Americans a platform to be recognized as great contributors to the American society. It also gives young African Americans a sense of pride to realize what their ancestors accomplished and that they have the ability and opportunity to accomplish even greater things in the American society.</p>
Fri, 09 Feb 2018 14:29:36 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/02/spotlight-commerce-robin-d-bush-us-economic-development-administrationSpotlight on Commerce: Darmika Stanfield, U.S. Economic Development Administrationhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/02/spotlight-commerce-darmika-stanfield-us-economic-development-administration
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/darmika.jpg?itok=siRwU5vh" width="200" height="200" alt="Darmika Stanfield, U.S. Economic and Development Administration" title="Darmika Stanfield, U.S. Economic and Development Administration" /></span>
<p><strong><em>Ed. note: This post is part of the Spotlight on Commerce series highlighting the contributions of Department of Commerce employees during Black History Month.</em></strong></p>
<p><em>Guest blog post by Darmika Stanfield, Congressional Affairs Specialist, U.S. Economic Development Administration</em></p>
<p>As a Congressional Affairs Specialist at the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), I work hard every day to do my part in improving the quality of life for hundreds of communities. By working closely with EDA regional officials and congressional representatives, I do my best to help advance a foundation for sustainable economic growth throughout the United States. Working for the federal government for a little over 14 years has given me an opportunity to explore a path that ultimately led to this awesome career and now I have the greatest satisfaction in creating a sense of community.</p>
<p>I was born and raised in Washington, D.C., in a two-parent household where it was ingrained in me to never define myself by a single idea. As the youngest child and only girl of three, I knew very early that the power to change perception, to inspire and empower, and to show people something different rested in me.</p>
<p>Culture and tradition are very important in the black community so making the decision to attend a private historically black university (HBCU) was a no-brainer. Hampton University (the real HU) is a place of legends. Booker T. Washington graduated from Hampton and later became an administrator prior to founding the Tuskegee University. The standard of excellence set at Hampton for its students provided me with an education for life. While at Hampton, I made a pivotal decision to become a member of the first black Greek-lettered sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., which was formed to break barriers for African-American women in areas where we had little power or authority. Being a part of a sisterhood that continues to help improve social and economic conditions through community service programs, further contributed to my desire to work in the field of community development. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English, I pursued a master’s degree in education from another prominent HBCU. My time at Bowie State University taught me that leaders build amazing communities and I was ready to stop thinking and start doing.</p>
<p>I started my professional career in the legal field with a plan to attend law school. I worked in the private sector for two years at a law office while studying for the LSAT. My plan was to practice law and teach classes at a university. I had my plan all mapped out. To gain more of a work-life balance, I accepted a position in the federal government as a paralegal for the Department of Commerce’s Office of the General Counsel. While applying to law schools I attended a Congressional Black Caucus event and met a congressional staffer. Our conversation opened my eyes to a world where I could really demonstrate my values and make a worthy contribution to the direction of the country. That chance encounter stuck with me, so I decided to alter my career path.</p>
<p>Life is all about how you handle change. I am a firm believer in always having a Plan B because the reality of watching your Plan A never come to fruition will guarantee disappointment, but it’s all about your next steps. Moving forward and learning your true strength is when champions are born. My new plan has not only allowed me to gain valuable insights into the issues impacting the country, but also the black community. I am so happy to have a career that mirrors my personal life by giving back.</p>
<p>Black History Month is a time for rejoicing, celebrating and thanking so many African Americans for the exceptional contributions they’ve made in the past and continue to make today. For me, I take enormous pride in celebrating my heritage and culture all the time and I look forward to giving hope and passing along the history to my family and the next generation.</p>
Thu, 08 Feb 2018 11:59:35 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/02/spotlight-commerce-darmika-stanfield-us-economic-development-administrationSpotlight on Commerce: Bismarck Myrick, U.S. Patent and Trademark Officehttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/02/spotlight-commerce-bismarck-myrick-us-patent-and-trademark-office
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/bismarck.jpg?itok=BmsV4j1g" width="200" height="200" alt="Bismarck Myrick (center) meets with staff at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Alexandria (Va.) campus" /></span>
<p><strong><em>Ed. note: This post is part of the Spotlight on Commerce series highlighting the contributions of Department of Commerce employees during Black History Month.</em></strong></p>
<p>As the Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity (OEEOD) at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), I provide strategic direction and guidance in carrying out the Agency’s equal employment opportunity and civil rights initiatives.</p>
<p>In June, I will celebrate a decade as the Director of OEEOD. Among my most proud accomplishments is the organizational transformation of a small Civil Rights office nestled within the agency’s administrative directorate, to a new Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity. Through this organizational transformation, I became the principal advisor to the Under Secretary and Director of the USPTO on equal employment opportunity, reasonable accommodation, civil rights compliance and diversity strategies.</p>
<p>Prior to becoming the Director of OEEOD, I was the Supervisory Attorney Advisor and Assistant Director of the USPTO’s Office of Civil Rights from July 2003 until June 2008. Before joining the USPTO in 2003, I served as a civil rights attorney at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) Office of Federal Operations, where I drafted hundreds of federal sector appellate decisions adjudicating the merits of complaints of employment discrimination, and provided training throughout the federal sector on civil rights law. Previous to my federal service, I was a trial attorney for the City of Baltimore, Maryland.</p>
<p>I earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Florida State University in 1993 and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Missouri in 1996. I am a member of the bars of the District of Columbia and the State of Maryland. In 2008, I completed Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government Senior Executive Fellow program. I entered the Senior Executive Service in 2012.</p>
<p>I am a second-generation federal executive. My father’s jobs in the U.S. Army and the Foreign Service required us taking up residence in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Monrovia, Liberia, Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Alexandria, Virginia, to name a few places. I admire my father’s professional accomplishments rising out of poverty in Portsmouth, Virginia, to achieve two consecutive, Senate-confirmed, ambassadorial appointments to the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of Liberia. Despite all of this moving around, I consider my mother’s hometown, Columbus, Georgia, home. Growing up, she was the most influential person in my life. She always expects more than what can immediately be seen. I believe that to be one of the most important characteristics of effective leaders.</p>
<p>I struggle with providing career advice because I think of my career as being unconventional. Here are two pieces of advice for young professionals. First, work hard trying to leave more than you take – this is the only way to pay back the sacrifices which led you to a place of remarkable opportunity. Second, appreciate the counterintuitive fact that the greater your reputation for selfless service, the more likely you are to receive promotion and recognition.</p>
Tue, 06 Feb 2018 14:07:33 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/02/spotlight-commerce-bismarck-myrick-us-patent-and-trademark-officeCybersecurity Apprenticeships Enhance Cybersecurity Infrastructurehttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/01/cybersecurity-apprenticeships-enhance-cybersecurity-infrastructure
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/heatmap.png?itok=1IhFDIqa" width="200" height="200" alt="A heat map of cybersecurity jobs funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)" /></span>
<p><em>By <a href="https://www.nist.gov/people/marian-merritt" target="_blank">Marian Merritt</a>, Lead for Industry Engagement, National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce</em></p>
<p>When Khabran Peters, a former member of the Army National Guard was researching his training options to transition into the secure software development field, he discovered <a href="https://www.gpapprentice.org/secure-software/cicess-gp-apprentice/" target="_blank">the Community Initiative Center of Excellence for Secure Software (CICESS)</a>, the first registered cybersecurity apprenticeship program in the United States.</p>
<p>CICESS was created by founder Girish Seshagiri out of his own difficulty in finding trained secure software developers for his engineering firm. The Peoria, Illinois-based program launched in 2015 after Seshagiri formed a coalition of like-minded employers and partnered with Illinois Central College and Carnegie Mellon University/Software Engineering Institute to develop a curriculum for the program.</p>
<p>Peters successfully applied for and completed the program. “As a secure software development apprentice, I learned a disciplined approach to implement quality and security throughout the software development lifecycle,” said Peters. He also praised the program’s “hands-on learning environment” and its one-to-one mentoring.</p>
<p>When someone hears the word “apprentice,” they might naturally first think of skilled tradespeople like electricians and welders. The apprentice method of combining education with on-the-job training to enable people to enter skilled professions has been used for generations in the United States with great success. Yet, for most of us, when we think of a high demand and high-tech field like cybersecurity we do not always consider apprenticeships as a potential career path.</p>
<p>But high-tech apprentice programs like CICESS work just as well as those for highly skilled tradespeople, while also enhancing the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure. An apprenticeship is like an on-ramp to becoming a fully qualified cybersecurity professional. Without it, an aspiring student may never reach his or her goals.</p>
<p>The cybersecurity field is suffering from a severe shortage in talent, with an estimated 285,681 job openings today according to <a href="http://cyberseek.org/" target="_blank">CyberSeek</a> – an interactive cybersecurity jobs heat map funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) at the U.S. Department of Commerce. The <a href="https://www.nist.gov/nice" target="_blank">National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE)</a>, led by NIST, is strategically focused to convene a national effort to address this shortage for both the public and private sectors. One strategic goal of NICE is to <a href="https://www.nist.gov/itl/applied-cybersecurity/national-initiative-cybersecurity-education-nice/strategic-plan" target="_blank">Accelerate Learning and Skills Development</a>. Apprenticeships in cybersecurity are a welcome approach to help more people gain the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to be successful in cybersecurity roles, even without a formal college or university education.</p>
<p>In May 2017, President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) “<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-executive-order-strengthening-cybersecurity-federal-networks-critical-infrastructure/" target="_blank">Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and Critical Infrastructure</a>.” On the topic of Workforce Development, the EO included the recommendation to “Assess the scope and sufficiency of efforts to educate and train the American cybersecurity workforce of the future, including cybersecurity-related education curricula, training, and apprenticeship programs, from primary through higher education.” And in June, the President issued an apprenticeship-specific EO, “<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/3245/" target="_blank">Expanding Apprenticeships in America</a>” and included the naming of a special <a href="https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/task-force.htm" target="_blank">Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion</a> to explore different options on how this could be accomplished. Cybersecurity was a sector mentioned in the EO for apprenticeship expansion.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/" target="_blank">The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Apprenticeship</a> offers information and guidance to those wishing to build an apprenticeship program. The elements of a quality apprenticeship program include business involvement, structured on-the-job training combined with related technical instruction, rewards for skill gains, and upon completion, a DOL National Occupational Credential. This industry-recognized credential is a guarantee to employers that apprentices are fully qualified for the job.</p>
<p>Apprenticeship programs can be customized to meet the needs of the business and the skills of the apprentices. There is flexibility in program design as well as in the training model. The length the program can vary and is driven by industry needs.</p>
<p>Apprentice programs work – not only because they help employers find exactly the trained talent they need but because they help people quickly enter a field, without college debt or an exhausting job search. Apprentices tend to be loyal workers because their employers have invested in them both on the job and through educational assistance to help advance their careers. This has shown to reduce employee turnover rates and increase morale. A 2016 U.S. Department of Commerce report, <a href="//www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/migrated/reports/the-benefits-and-costs-of-apprenticeships-a-business-perspective.pdf" target="_blank">“The Benefits and Costs of Apprenticeships: A Business Perspective,”</a> captures the employer perspective on the value of the apprenticeship model.</p>
<p>NICE has been diligently working to help drive awareness of cybersecurity apprenticeship programs and encourage experimentation. They held a <a href="https://www.nist.gov/news-events/events/2016/11/nice-webinar-building-your-cybersecurity-team-apprenticeships" target="_blank">webinar</a> on the topic during November 2016 for <a href="https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/NAW/" target="_blank">National Apprenticeship Week</a>. A year later, the topic was included in a <a href="https://www.nist.gov/news-events/events/2017/11/nice-webinar-path-obtaining-cybersecurity-work-experience-internships" target="_blank">webinar</a> on entry-level pathways for cybersecurity. NICE produced a <a href="https://www.nist.gov/file/408716" target="_blank">one-page document</a> to help people learn more about cybersecurity apprenticeships. At the annual NICE conference in November 2017, a half-day workshop was held to help interested parties learn how to start a cybersecurity apprenticeship program. As of today, there are over ten such programs operating around the country, with many more groups in active discussion to launch their own.</p>
<p><em>To learn more about </em><em>cybersecurity</em><em> apprenticeships and if it’s right for your company, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship <a href="https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/" target="_blank">www.dol.gov/apprenticeship</a> or by email <a href="mailto:apprenticeship@dol.gov">apprenticeship@dol.gov</a>; or contact Marian Merritt, NICE’s lead for industry engagement at <a href="mailto:marian.merritt@nist.gov">marian.merritt@nist.gov</a>.</em></p>
Wed, 31 Jan 2018 14:10:32 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/01/cybersecurity-apprenticeships-enhance-cybersecurity-infrastructureCommerce Department Recognized as Third Best Place to Work in Governmenthttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/01/commerce-department-recognized-third-best-place-work-government
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/groupbptw2018.jpg?itok=OnpFU7AR" width="200" height="200" alt="U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Economic and Development Administration officials accept awards from the Partnership for Public Service at the 2017 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government awards breakfast in Washington, D.C." /></span>
<p>Last month, the U.S. Department of Commerce was named the <a href="http://bestplacestowork.org/BPTW/index.php" target="_blank">third best place to work in the federal government</a> among large agencies in a survey released by the Partnership for Public Service, a nonprofit, non-partisan organization. Today, <a href="//www.commerce.gov/directory/lisacasias" target="_blank">Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration Lisa Casias</a> accepted the award on the department’s behalf at the 2017 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government awards breakfast in Washington, D.C.</p>
<p>This ranking, which represents a 1.3 percentage point increase in index score from 2016 to 2017, makes clear that we are focused on promoting job creation and economic growth by ensuring fair and secure trade, providing the data necessary to support commerce, and fostering innovation by setting standards and conducting foundational research and development.</p>
<p>Following <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/12/department-commerce-named-third-best-place-work-government-work-force" target="_blank">the announcement last month</a>, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross praised this achievement and highlighted the fact the department achieved its highest score since this survey began in 2003. “Every employee here is dedicating themselves to not only public service but also to promoting the United States economic agenda for the American worker,” he said.</p>
<p>In addition, the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) <a href="http://bestplacestowork.org/BPTW/rankings/detail/CM52" target="_blank">was recognized today</a> as the, “Most Improved Federal Agency Subcomponent Over the Past Five Years” for 2017. EDA has increased its score by 28.4 points since the 2015 rankings were released, rising from 40.2 that year to 68.6 in 2017. EDA Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Affairs Dennis Alvord received the award today on EDA’s behalf.</p>
<p>The Best Places to Work rankings are based on responses from nearly 700,000 federal workers, as well as data from the Office of Personnel Management’s annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, which was administered May through June 2017 to permanent executive branch employees. Additional employee survey data from 10 agencies, including the intelligence community, are included in the results. This is the 12th edition of the Best Places to Work rankings, which began in 2003.</p>
Fri, 26 Jan 2018 14:09:55 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/01/commerce-department-recognized-third-best-place-work-governmentUnited States Department of Commerce Plan for Orderly Shutdown Due to Lapse of Congressional Appropriationshttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/01/united-states-department-commerce-plan-orderly-shutdown-due-lapse-congressional
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/hchb_flags_1200x630.jpg?itok=F3SlDExx" width="200" height="200" alt="Herbert C. Hoover Building" /></span>
<p>Funding for the federal government expired on January 19th. The Department is prepared for a lapse in funding that would necessitate a significant reduction in operations and is currently implementing our plan.</p>
<p><strong><a href="//www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/plan_for_orderly_shutdown_due_to_lapse_of_congressional_appropriations_-_20171207.pdf" target="_blank">Read the United States Department of Commerce Plan for Orderly Shutdown Due to Lapse of Congressional Appropriations (updated December 7, 2017).</a></strong></p>
<p>In compliance with the restrictions of the Antideficiency Act, <strong>the Department of Commerce will maintain the following services and activities during a lapse in appropriations</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Weather, water, and climate observing, prediction, forecast, warning and support</li>
<li>Law enforcement activities for the protection of marine fisheries</li>
<li>Fisheries management activities including quota monitoring, observer activities and regulatory actions to prevent overfishing</li>
<li>Essential natural resource damage assessment activities associated with the Deepwater Horizon incident</li>
<li>Water level data for ships entering U.S. ports, critical nautical chart updates and accurate position information.</li>
<li>Patent and trademark application processing</li>
<li>Operation of the national timing and synchronization infrastructure as well as the National Vulnerability Database</li>
<li>Maintenance, continuity and protection of certain research property and critical data records</li>
<li>All services of the National Technical Information Service (NTIS)</li>
<li>Export enforcement – the ongoing conduct of criminal investigations, and prosecutions, and coordination with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies in furtherance of our national security</li>
<li>Support for excepted activities under a shutdown</li>
<li>Assignment of radio frequencies to federal agencies for critical national security and public safety purposes</li>
<li>All the functions of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The following services and activities <em>will not be available</em> during a lapse in appropriations:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Most research activities at NIST and NOAA (excluding real-time regular models on research computers used for hurricane and FAA flight planning)</li>
<li>Assistance and support to recipients of grant funding</li>
<li>Technical oversight of non-mission essential contracts</li>
<li>Services and activities provided by:
<ul>
<li>Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)</li>
<li>Economic Development Administration (EDA)</li>
<li>Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA)</li>
<li>Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)</li>
<li>U.S. Census Bureau</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Most services and activities provided by the International Trade Administration (ITA)</li>
</ul>
Mon, 22 Jan 2018 10:32:03 -0500solshefski@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/01/united-states-department-commerce-plan-orderly-shutdown-due-lapse-congressionalBuilding a National Network for First Responder Communicationhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/01/building-national-network-first-responder-communication
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/alexandriafiredepartment.jpg?itok=Nzw2RLC6" width="200" height="200" alt="Alexandria (Va.) Fire Captain Phil Perry uses a mobile device while on board a fire boat on the Potomac River. " title="Alexandria (Va.) Fire Captain Phil Perry uses a mobile device while on board a fire boat on the Potomac River. " /></span>
<p>The <a href="https://www.firstnet.gov/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">First Responder Network Authority</a> (FirstNet) is working to modernize the communications infrastructure used by first responders across the nation. With all 50 states and Washington, D.C., joining FirstNet, they are moving forward to deploy a modern, mobile-broadband LTE network for public safety with their <a href="https://www.firstnet.gov/newsroom/blog/firstnet-names-att-partner-build-network-first-responders-nationwide" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">private-sector partner, AT&amp;T.</a></p>
<p>In this blog, we explore how FirstNet can benefit one local community. Captain Phil Perry of the Alexandria, Va., Fire Department talks about the benefits of having an interoperable, high-speed network that is dedicated and specialized for police, fire and EMS responders.</p>
<p>As his fire boat patrols a section of the Potomac River that touches the shores of Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland, Captain Perry talks about the central role communications plays in an area where multiple jurisdictions and agencies can often respond to the same incident.</p>
<p>From the tragic airplane crash into the Potomac in 1982 to the terrorist attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, Captain Perry says the ability to share information among first responders affects the success, safety and speed of responding to both large-scale and more routine emergency situations.</p>
<p>“If we can get to the scene more efficiently with better information, it’s only going to make for better results,” Captain Perry says.</p>
<p>Deploying FirstNet across the country in every state will give first responders a fast, reliable and secure way to seamlessly share data and communicate with each other. For police, fire, paramedics and other public safety officials, this means they can instantly exchange information, photos and streaming video when they need to the most – during emergency situations when communications are critical to saving lives and protecting property.</p>
<p>Captain Perry says that having instant, comprehensive information enhances situational awareness and reduces the potential for any duplication of efforts. It also provides opportunities for responders to speed and concentrate their efforts.</p>
<p>“You can’t even measure it,” said Captain Perry. “Having a national network will completely transform how we communicate with each other and will improve the lives of so many.”</p>
<p><strong>About the First Responder Network Authority</strong>: FirstNet is an independent authority within the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). FirstNet’s mission is to ensure the building, deployment and operation of the nationwide broadband network that equips first responders to save lives and protect U.S. communities. In March 2017, the Department of Commerce and FirstNet <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/secretary-speeches/2017/03/us-secretary-commerce-wilbur-ross-announces-firstnet-public-private" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">announced a partnership with AT&amp;T</a> to build and operate and the first responder network. It will deliver the technologies and infrastructure that public safety desperately needs for day-to-day operations, disaster response and recovery, and securing of large events.</p>
Tue, 16 Jan 2018 12:09:45 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/01/building-national-network-first-responder-communicationSupporting President Trump’s Vision for Expanding Broadband in Rural Americahttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/01/supporting-president-trumps-vision-expanding-broadband-rural-america
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/ruraltaskforce.jpg?itok=GnuLIFz9" width="200" height="200" alt="Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Logo" /></span>
<p>This week, President Trump attended the American Farm Bureau Federation's Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn., to announce the <a href="https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/rural-prosperity-report.pdf" target="_blank">recommendations of the interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity</a>. Secretary Wilbur Ross is a member of the Task Force, which was created by executive order in April 2017 to identify ways to boost economic prosperity and quality of life in rural America.</p>
<p>The cornerstone of the Task Force’s report is ensuring that rural America can connect to reliable and affordable broadband internet service. More than 24 million Americans live in rural communities that lack the infrastructure needed for high-speed connections, according to an analysis* by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).</p>
<p>Building out wired and wireless broadband infrastructure in these communities would promote economic development and job growth, extend the reach of health care and allow for smart agriculture applications that could increase productivity and profitability for U.S. farmers. It would also allow these communities to attract businesses, especially in the fast-growing advanced manufacturing industry.</p>
<p>Wireless infrastructure, including 5th generation (5G) mobile networks, is particularly important because of the potential of the internet of things (IOT) to transform manufacturing and agriculture. Advanced manufacturing has been a key focus area for the Administration, which has already begun to streamline permitting and remove unnecessary regulations in this area. These manufacturers will require robust connections for their facilities, so rural communities must have high-speed bandwidth to attract new plants or upgrades old ones to compete globally.</p>
<p>Agriculture is increasingly a more connected and information-dependent industry as well. Broadband can allow farmers to access weather data that can help them maximize the planting, watering and harvesting of their crops. Drones and sensors in the field can monitor crop conditions and wearable devices on livestock can monitor their health and breeding patterns.</p>
<p>The Administration is taking immediate steps to reduce barriers to deployment of broadband in rural America. An executive order released on Monday – <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-executive-order-streamlining-expediting-requests-locate-broadband-facilities-rural-america/" target="_blank">Streamlining and Expediting Requests to Locate Broadband Facilities in Rural America</a> – instructs agencies to remove obstacles to capital investment and broadband services and more efficiently employ government resources. It also proposes using the GSA Common Form Application as a tool to streamline and expedite the review of requests to locate broadband facilities on federal property. The order contains key actions that will likely spur further investment, speed up deployment and decrease costs.</p>
<p>A separate <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-memorandum-secretary-interior/" target="_blank">Presidential memorandum issued Monday directs the Secretary of the Interior</a> to increase access to tower facilities and other infrastructure assets managed by the Department, with the purpose of supporting rural broadband deployment and adoption. The availability of these facilities could help bring 5G to rural areas more quickly.</p>
<p>The Department of Commerce is committed to expanding broadband around the country and executing President Trump’s strategy for increasing rural prosperity. The Department is encouraging the growth of the internet of things, supporting broadband network buildouts, and maximizing the use of the country's spectrum resources.</p>
<p>Broadband connectivity is the foundation upon which more competitive, sustainable and prosperous rural communities can be built. The Trump Administration and the Commerce Department will continue to pursue all options to encourage the deployment of high-speed broadband.</p>
<p><em>*The analysis used data from the Federal Communications Commission’s June 2016 Form 477 collection, as well as population and geographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau.</em></p>
Wed, 10 Jan 2018 10:15:55 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/01/supporting-president-trumps-vision-expanding-broadband-rural-americaThe Opportunity Project Demo Day: Open Innovation in Actionhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/01/opportunity-project-demo-day-open-innovation-action
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/opportunityproject.jpg?itok=KYzk-9RF" width="200" height="200" alt="Excella Consulting showcased their tool, Myspot – which helps homeless youth in the DC area – during the Opportunity Project Demo Day" /></span>
<p><em>Guest blog post by Drew Zachary and Mara Abrams, <a href="https://www.census.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Census Bureau</a></em></p>
<p>On November 29th, Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Karen Dunn Kelley and Acting Census Bureau Director Ron Jarmin kicked off <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiqn9a64wlo#t=14m45s" target="_blank">The Opportunity Project Demo Day</a>, an event that brought together over 200 innovators from the tech industry, government, non-profits and universities to launch 12 new digital tools built with public data.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiqn9a64wlo#t=14m45s" target="_blank"><strong>Watch and share a recording of the event here.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p>Launched in 2016 and led by Commerce since January, <a href="https://opportunity.census.gov/" target="_blank">The Opportunity Project</a> (TOP) is a pioneering model for public-private partnership. Through TOP, organizations collaborate to solve problems using data and technology in a 12-week user-centered design sprint. First, agencies like the Departments of Education, Commerce, Treasury and the Office of Management and Budget identify big issues facing the public, like youth and veteran homelessness, and engaging hard to count communities in the U.S. Census. Then, companies sign on to build tech solutions, and grassroots organizations help connect target end users to share their input. But that’s only the beginning – the tools continue to grow and serve their target end users even after the sprint ends. We’ve used this model to catalyze 50 solutions to date--built by teams like Redfin, Mapbox, Airbnb, LinkedIn and more, and we’re just getting started!</p>
<p><strong>Here’s a round-up of new tools and resources launched by companies, non-profits, universities and the Department of Commerce at Demo Day.</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Cisco’s <a href="https://devnet.cisco.com/site/census/" target="_blank">My City Data Learning Tool</a>, MIT’s <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/764xq2u7zxg1pkk/bayesdb%20web%20demo.mp4?dl=0" target="_blank">BayesDB</a>, Measure of America’s <a href="http://www.measureofamerica.org/census2020" target="_blank">DATA2GO.NYC</a> and IBM’s PopCount (iOS app available in the App Store) help engage hard to count communities in the Census and help communities understand the value of Census Bureau data.</li>
<li>Cisco DevNet also built a <a href="https://learninglabs.cisco.com/lab/census_labs/step/1" target="_blank">learning lab</a> that helps their community of 400,000+ developers learn how to work and build with Census Bureau data.</li>
<li>Care Partners Plus’s <a href="http://www.carepartnersplus.com/" target="_blank">Get Vets Help</a> and <a href="https://www.pairin.com/pairin-pathways/" target="_blank">PAIRIN Pathways</a> help homeless veterans access services and support, and military families find success in civilian careers. They also partnered with Lyft to make free rides available to homeless veterans in need of transit to critical services or job interviews.</li>
<li>Excella’s <a href="https://www.findmyspot.org/" target="_blank">Myspot</a> helps youth experiencing homelessness find shelters, Wi-Fi hotspots and more.</li>
<li>eCivis’s <a href="https://intel.ecivis.com/" target="_blank">Grants Intelligence</a> and True Impact’s <a href="http://www.trueimpact.com/" target="_blank">Social Impact Reporting Platform</a> help make federal grants data user-friendly for local leaders.</li>
<li>Students from Ohio State launched their Opportunity Project Hackathon-winning tool Transity, which uses public and private data to provide daily commuters and city planners local “commutability” scores.</li>
<li>2016 TOP team Ovela came all the way from Estonia to share progress on <a href="https://findyour.town/" target="_blank">FindYour.Town</a>, which helps rural communities rebuild their economies by telling their unique stories and find available funding.</li>
<li>The Census Bureau launched a User Centered Methods certificate program to build skills enterprise-wide in delivering on our mission using best practices of human-centered design.</li>
<li>We launched The Opportunity Project digital toolkit so that anyone can adopt this process.</li>
<li>The Census Bureau shared the latest of <a href="https://data.census.gov/" target="_blank">data.census.gov</a>, a new platform for the public to interact and search the Census Bureau’s data, including new developer resources and APIs.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Big problems need cross-sector solutions. </strong>Although the tools presented at Demo Day were extremely diverse – ranging from IBM’s iOS app to MIT’s Artificial Intelligence-based system, to Cisco DevNet’s online game – what they all had in common was the incredible processes behind them. In their lightning talks, teams like Excella Consulting, PAIRIN, and IBM focused as much on their processes – which leveraged agile development, design thinking and human-centered design – as on the products themselves. And that’s really what Open Innovation is all about – reinventing government design as a collaborative process, not bound by the idea that government solutions have to be stuffy or out of touch – or that government has to be the only one designing solutions in the first place. TOP helps bring the design process and creativity of the tech industry to the table and helps us engage directly with the public to better understand their wants and needs. Government can identify big problems and available data, but people in communities know best what their experience is like day to day, and technologists know how to build effective digital solutions. Put all this expertise in a sprint together, and you’re going to get some amazing results. During Demo Day, Acting Federal CIO Margie Graves, Fiscal Assistant Secretary Dave Lebryk and Director of the Department of Education’s Policy and Program Studies Service Jenn Bell-Ellwanger echoed these ideas.</p>
<p><strong>What’s next?</strong> This is only the beginning for TOP. Next year, we’ll be tackling problems like using geospatial data to advance community economic development, and our partners at Education, Treasury, OMB and more are just as excited to continue teaming up to solve new problems. Head over to <a href="https://opportunity.census.gov/" target="_blank">opportunity.census.gov</a> to view all the tools, join our next cohort, use our newly launched toolkit, help deploy the products built so far, share data feedback, or just stay in the loop! You can reach us at <a href="mailto:OpportunityProject@doc.gov">OpportunityProject@doc.gov</a>. <strong>We hope these tools inspire you to join us in the next round, and we can’t wait to see what you build!</strong></p>
Tue, 09 Jan 2018 13:54:06 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/01/opportunity-project-demo-day-open-innovation-actionSupporting America’s Communities Impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Mariahttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/12/supporting-americas-communities-impacted-hurricanes-harvey-irma-and-maria
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/hurricaneblogphoto.jpg?itok=J9sHs-vj" width="200" height="200" alt="Texas National Guard soldiers arrive in Houston to aid residents in heavily flooded areas from the storms of Hurricane Harvey, August 27, 2017 (Texas Army National Guard/1st Lt. Zachary Wes)" /></span>
<p>At the Department of Commerce, we’re committed to partnering with communities who are recovering from the devastation of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.</p>
<p>Since the initiation of disaster response efforts prior to landfall in August and September, the Department has been leveraging the strategic guidance and technical expertise available through our many diverse bureaus to serve the recovery needs of the communities affected by the recent hurricanes.</p>
<p><strong>Providing Timely and Reliable Data Critical to Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Recovery</strong></p>
<p>At the forefront of preparation and response is the Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA plays <a href="https://noaa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=76b26a9bdc73412ab9d353a4ba19d51b" target="_blank">many critical roles</a> in protecting life and property across the United States every hurricane season.</p>
<p>Below are a few highlights on efforts this year by NOAA regarding Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria:</p>
<ul>
<li>Provided critical data in determining the path and scope of hurricanes during the early stages of disaster preparation and response. NOAA issued early and reliable forecasts to communities in the path of this year’s storms. In particular, NOAA’s new geostationary satellite, <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/01/noaas-goes-16-satellite-sends-first-images-earth-higher-resolution-details-will">GOES-16</a>, assisted forecasters in tracking storms with greater detail than ever before.</li>
<li>Deployed <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/07/critical-role-hurricane-hunters-protecting-american-communities">“Hurricane Hunter” NOAA aircraft</a> that flew more than 500 hours to provide critical data for forecasting, research and emergency response.</li>
<li>Launched new <a href="http://www.noaa.gov/news/new-storm-surge-watches-and-warnings-saved-lives" target="_blank">Storm Surge Watches and Warnings</a> through NOAA’s <a href="http://www.weather.gov/" target="_blank">National Weather Service</a> and <a href="http://www.hurricanes.gov/" target="_blank">National Hurricane Center</a>. NOAA’s National Ocean Service (NOS) provided services to help communities <a href="https://aamboceanservice.blob.core.windows.net/oceanservice-prod/hazards/hurricanes/nos-hurricanes-harvey-irma-maria.pdf" target="_blank">prepare, respond and recover</a>, including <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/quicklook.html" target="_blank">Storm Quicklooks</a> with near real-time coastal and weather data. After the storms, NOS collected post-storm <a href="http://www.noaa.gov/news/assessing-marias-destruction-from-air-aerial-photos-are-available" target="_blank">aerial images</a> to help assess damage to coastal areas.</li>
<li>Produced specialized flood maps as Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, helping emergency managers stage resources, recovery encampments, evacuation areas and other relief activities safely outside the areas of likely flooding.</li>
<li>Provided emergency hydrographic services at affected port areas to detect potential hazards that could delay the delivery of emergency supplies and maritime commerce. This service helped the U.S. Coast Guard make decisions on reopening ports.</li>
<li>Embedded National Weather Service meteorologists in federal, state and local emergency operations centers before and during the storms to help emergency response managers better understand storm forecasts.</li>
</ul>
<p>The U.S. Census Bureau was also instrumental in providing local data that is critical to emergency planning, preparedness and recovery efforts. When hurricanes strike, this information is key in guiding effective operations for emergency response, mitigation and recovery. Through the U.S. Census Bureau’s <a href="https://onthemap.ces.census.gov/em/" target="_blank">On the Map for Emergency Management</a> tool, communities in the affected areas were able to quickly and easily access detailed data on workforce, population and housing characteristics.</p>
<p><strong>Supporting Long-Term Economic Recovery</strong></p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.eda.gov/programs/disaster-recovery/" target="_blank">Economic Development Administration</a> (EDA) has a long history of successfully supporting disaster recovery and resiliency efforts. EDA helps facilitate the timely and effective delivery of economic assistance to support long-term community recovery planning and project implementation, redevelopment and resiliency. They spearhead these efforts as the lead federal agency of the <a href="https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1489754721419-8d29c58733990d27f2e8894f33cdbdb2/RSF_Economic_0616_508(1).pdf" target="_blank">Economic Recovery Support Function</a> (ERSF) under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) <a href="https://www.fema.gov/national-disaster-recovery-framework" target="_blank">National Disaster Recovery Framework</a> (NDRF).</p>
<p>To help Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands recover from Hurricanes Irma and Maria, EDA continues to work closely with its federal partners through the ERSF process to identify federal assistance that can help address the region’s near-term liquidity issues and to identify options to help attract businesses and incentivize growth. ERSF partners are also conducting ongoing outreach to the business community to determine if they plan to continue operations in the region.</p>
<p>Today, the Economic Development Administration’s Regional Offices in Austin, Philadelphia and Atlanta are working closely with Economic Development Districts, federal, state and local officials – as well as other partners in areas impacted by the recent hurricanes – to accelerate economic recovery from these disasters.</p>
<p><strong>Assisting Displaced and Impacted Businesses and Manufacturers</strong></p>
<p>The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has invested $1.25 million in funding to assist displaced and impacted minority-owned businesses (MBE) in Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico. These business centers are assisting MBE’s with completing disaster recovery loan packages, and continue to leverage resources – along with their local stakeholder networks – to disseminate information to assist in hurricane recovery.</p>
<p>The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) <a href="https://www.nist.gov/mep" target="_blank">Manufacturing Extension Partnership</a> program awarded a total of $6 million dollars to its centers in Texas, Louisiana, Florida and Puerto Rico to help small and medium-sized manufacturers recover from 2017’s devastating hurricanes. The centers will use the funding to identify and provide recovery support to manufacturers who are suffering from physical damage to their facilities, labor shortages and other disruptions caused by the storms.</p>
<p><strong>Ensuring First Responder Communication</strong></p>
<p>Communication is critical before, during and after a disaster. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, thousands of federal personnel were deployed to the Gulf Coast, Florida and the Caribbean, conducting search-and-rescue missions and delivering emergency supplies of food and water. Staff from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) helped ensure that these responders could communicate with each other and with the various state and local agencies on the ground.</p>
<p><a href="file:///C:/Users/kcpullen.OSE/Desktop/emergency%20managers%20and%20first%20responders%20in%20states%20across%20the%20country" target="_blank">NTIA’s Emergency Response Team traveled to the affected regions</a> to ensure the response teams’ wireless radios could link up, communicate and operate without interfering with or disrupting each other's work. They also helped federal agencies obtain frequency assignments when they needed additional spectrum access to rebuild operational capability or support response efforts. During Hurricane Harvey, FirstNet staff were deployed to emergency operations centers (OECs) in Texas, Louisiana and Tennessee. In addition to providing staffing support for monitoring and response to communications outages, they observed OEC response efforts for lessons learned. This insight is critical to FirstNet’s work to ensure the nationwide public safety broadband network meets the needs of emergency managers and first responders across the country.</p>
<p><strong>Protecting Communities from Future Disasters</strong></p>
<p>In the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, <a href="https://www.nist.gov/topics/disaster-failure-studies" target="_blank">NIST’s Disaster and Failure Studies Program</a> sent preliminary reconnaissance teams to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Texas – to look at flood damage in Houston and wind damage in Rockport.</li>
<li>Florida – to evaluate wind damage, storm-surge impacts, and the effectiveness of emergency communication.</li>
<li>Puerto Rico – to look at storm damage to buildings and infrastructure, continuity of critical community functions, as well as the performance of the emergency management system.</li>
</ul>
<p>These efforts will contribute to our understanding of how powerful storms affect the built environment and therefore how codes, planning and response can be improved, and help NIST determine if it will conduct disaster investigations under the <a href="https://www.nist.gov/topics/disaster-failure-studies/national-construction-safety-team-ncst" target="_blank">National Construction Safety Team Act</a>.</p>
Thu, 28 Dec 2017 12:29:00 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/12/supporting-americas-communities-impacted-hurricanes-harvey-irma-and-mariaYear in Review: Our Most Popular Stories of 2017https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/12/year-review-our-most-popular-stories-2017
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/08.24.17_tsharvey2_goes16.jpg?itok=LFOzwQf-" width="200" height="200" alt="Hurricane Harvey" title="Hurricane Harvey" /></span>
<p>As we close out the year 2017, we reflect on some of the most popular stories of this past year.</p>
<p>The Department of Commerce continues to work every day to promote job creation and economic growth by ensuring fair and secure trade, providing the data necessary to support commerce, and fostering innovation by setting standards and conducting foundational research and development.</p>
<p>The following blogs generated the most attention and encompass <strong>our mission to create conditions for economic growth and opportunity for all Americans.</strong></p>
<p>#1 – <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/06/us-census-bureau-releases-key-statistics-fourth-july-2017">U.S. Census Bureau Releases Key Statistics for the Fourth of July, 2017</a>: On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. This most American of holidays will be marked with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues across the country. As we celebrate this Independence Day, we reflect on how our Founding Fathers enshrined the importance of statistics in our Constitution as a vital tool for measuring our people, places and economy.</p>
<p>#2 – <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/07/bea-releases-new-statistics-foreign-direct-investments-made-us">BEA Releases New Statistics on Foreign Direct Investments Made in the U.S.</a>: The Bureau of Economic Analysis released statistics detailing the amount and type of new direct investments made in the United States by foreign investors in 2016, 2015 and 2014. The data released include information on investments broken out by industry, state and type of investment made – creating a new U.S. business or acquiring or expanding an existing one.</p>
<p>#3 – <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/05/small-and-medium-sized-enterprises-reaching-new-markets">Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Reaching New Markets</a>: As we kick off <a href="https://www.sba.gov/nsbw/nsbw" target="_blank">Small Business Week</a>, the <a href="https://www.census.gov/" target="_blank">Census Bureau</a> released its “<a href="https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/Press-Release/edb/2015/edbrel.pdf" target="_blank">Profile of U.S. Importing and Exporting Companies, 2014-2015.</a>” A joint project of the Census Bureau and International Trade Administration, this series details the characteristics of U.S. companies that imported or exported goods in 2014 and 2015, including information on company size, industry, geographic composition, and trading partners. When we look at the trade data, small and medium sized enterprises play a huge role in economic growth and job creation.</p>
<p>#4 – <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/08/hurricane-harvey-stay-safe-these-noaa-and-fema-resources">Hurricane Harvey: Stay Safe with These NOAA and FEMA Resources</a>: Hurricane Harvey brought catastrophic flooding to Texas and Louisiana this week. Please heed the advice of local emergency management officials and refer to your local weather forecast at <a href="http://www.weather.gov" target="_blank">www.weather.gov</a>.</p>
<p>#5 – <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/02/us-census-bureau-releases-stats-recording-and-entertainment-industry-ahead-grammy">U.S. Census Bureau Releases Stats on Recording and Entertainment Industry Ahead of Grammy Awards</a>: Just in time for the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, the U.S. Census Bureau compiled various statistics covering sound recording studios, artists, writers and more. The 59th Annual Grammy Awards will be held on February 12, 2017, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and will recognize the best recordings, compositions, and artists for 2016. A Grammy Award, or Grammy, is an honor awarded by The Recording Academy to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry.</p>
Wed, 27 Dec 2017 12:09:57 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/12/year-review-our-most-popular-stories-2017Tax Cuts Act a Win for American Business and the American Workerhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/12/tax-cuts-act-win-american-business-and-american-worker
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/taxcutphoto.jpg?itok=Lys3Hh3u" width="200" height="200" alt="Photo of White House event celebrating passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act." /></span>
<p>Earlier this week, Congress passed the first overhaul of the U.S. tax system in more than three decades. The historic Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will cut taxes across the board for working families and businesses both large and small. The Act also will make American more competitive, will bolster continued job creation and will help increase wages for American workers.</p>
<p><em>“President Trump’s tax plan will make our tax code more simple and fair, and help American business stay competitive. Accomplishing these objectives will lead to increased economic growth, and, most importantly, better jobs for the American worker.” – Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.</em></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/tax-cuts-making-america-great/" target="_blank">Highlights of the Tax Cuts Act for include</a>:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Bigger paychecks for American workers.</strong> The Tax Cuts Act provides $5.5 trillion in tax cuts by nearly doubling the standard deduction, doubling the child tax credit, protecting tax savings for higher education and retirement, and lowering rates across the board. It also repeals ObamaCare’s individual mandate tax, 80 percent of which hit households earning less than $50,000 a year in 2016.</li>
<li><strong>Putting American businesses on a level playing field with foreign competitors.</strong> America’s corporate tax rate will go from being the highest in the developed world to below the average for Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. A one-time tax on corporate earnings stashed overseas will end the incentive for companies to keep their profits outside of the United States.</li>
<li><strong>Eliminating dozens of special interest tax breaks and loopholes.</strong> The Tax Cuts Act will raise $4 trillion in revenue to help offset tax cuts by closing the door on dozens of corporate accounting tricks. The bill eliminates a loophole used to deduct compensation for executives earning more than $1 million a year.</li>
</ul>
Fri, 22 Dec 2017 09:09:52 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/12/tax-cuts-act-win-american-business-and-american-workerLeveraging Open Data to Fuel American Innovationhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/12/leveraging-open-data-fuel-american-innovation
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/ptoopendata.jpg?itok=ZbWYJRQo" width="200" height="200" alt="Data visualization of the patent examination process" /></span>
<p><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2017/08/11/fueling-american-innovation-and-economic-growth-open-data" target="_blank">Leveraging open data is a priority for the Trump Administration</a>, as part of its long-term commitment to modernize government and as a key driver of the American economy.</p>
<p>Recently, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced <a href="https://developer.uspto.gov/" target="_blank">newly-released data</a> giving the public new insights regarding the ins and outs of the patent process, while also providing the USPTO with more meaningful metrics so it can continue to efficiently issue high-quality patents.</p>
<p>“It’s been nearly impossible to unlock this valuable data effectively in the past, but by leveraging emerging technologies such as big data and machine learning, we are able to better serve our customers,” said the USPTO Chief Data Strategist Thomas A. Beach.</p>
<p>The USPTO receives and reviews thousands of patent applications each year. Included in these applications are mountains of scientific knowledge. The release of the <em>USPTO Patent Prosecution Research Data: Unlocking <a href="https://developer.uspto.gov/api-catalog/uspto-office-action-rejection-api-beta" target="_blank">Office Action</a> &amp; <a href="https://developer.uspto.gov/api-catalog/uspto-office-action-citations-api-beta" target="_blank">Citation Traits</a></em> marks the first time that comprehensive data on over 4.4 million office actions from the last several years has been made readily available to the public. An “office action” is a notification from a patent examiner to an applicant on whether their invention is patentable, and why or why not. It includes information such as the grounds for approval or rejection as well as the pertinent prior art, or in other words, the relevant past inventions that have come before it (as shown in this data visualization of the patent examination process).</p>
<p>By improving access to patent data, the public and private sectors can be empowered to identify trends in technology and innovation and open data can be freely and easily accessed, shared and analyzed. Analyzing and connecting government datasets can result in useful insights for entrepreneurs and innovators, from assessing risks to increasing sales.</p>
Wed, 13 Dec 2017 12:21:17 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/12/leveraging-open-data-fuel-american-innovationPositive Economic Growth Continues, Unemployment Rate Lowest in 17 Yearshttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/12/positive-economic-growth-continues-unemployment-rate-lowest-17-years
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/jobsreportgraphic.jpg?itok=4S_JL34k" width="200" height="200" alt="U.S. Department of Labor graphic: 1.7 Million jobs added to the American economy since January 2017" /></span>
<p>Today, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced that 228,000 jobs were added to the American economy in November, and 1.7 million jobs have been added since January of this year. This marks a 17-year low for unemployment at 4.1%. In addition, the unemployment rate in manufacturing dropped to 2.6% – <a>the lowest rate recorded</a> since BLS began measuring it in 2000.</p>
<p>Last week, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) announced in their latest estimate that the U.S. gross domestic product grew at a 3.3 percent pace in their third quarter of 2017 – <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/us-economy-grew-3-pace-2nd-straight-quarter">faster than their initial estimate of 3.0 percent</a> – and personal income increased by 0.4 percent in October 2017, marking the second month in a row that personal income increased by 0.4 percent.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf" target="_blank">More from BLS</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p>Total <strong>nonfarm payroll employment</strong> increased by 228,000 in November. Employment continued to trend up in professional and business services, manufacturing, and health care. Employment growth has averaged 174,000 per month thus far this year, compared with an average monthly gain of 187,000 in 2016.</p>
<p>Employment in <strong>professional and business services</strong> continued on an upward trend in November (+46,000). Over the past 12 months, the industry has added 548,000 jobs.</p>
<p>In November, <strong>manufacturing</strong> added 31,000 jobs. Within the industry, employment rose in machinery (+8,000), fabricated metal products (+7,000), computer and electronic products (+4,000), and plastics and rubber products (+4,000). Since a recent low in November 2016, manufacturing employment has increased by 189,000.</p>
<p><strong>Health care</strong> added 30,000 jobs in November. Most of the gain occurred in ambulatory health care services (+25,000), which includes offices of physicians and outpatient care centers. Monthly employment growth in health care has averaged 24,000 thus far in 2017, compared with an average increase of 32,000 per month in 2016.</p>
<p>Within <strong>construction</strong>, employment among specialty trade contractors increased by 23,000 in November and by 132,000 over the year.</p>
</blockquote>
Fri, 08 Dec 2017 12:11:54 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/12/positive-economic-growth-continues-unemployment-rate-lowest-17-yearsPersonal Income Increased in Octoberhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/personal-income-increased-october
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/personalincome.jpg?itok=x2t_0NWd" width="200" height="200" alt="Personal Income Up 0.4% in October 2017" /></span>
<p>The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) announced today that personal income increased by 0.4 percent in October 2017, marking the second month in a row that personal income increased by 0.4 percent.</p>
<p><a href="https://blog.bea.gov/2017/11/30/real-disposable-personal-income-rises-in-october/" target="_blank">More from BEA</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Real Disposable Personal Income Rises in October</strong></p>
<p>Personal income increased 0.4 percent in October, the same increase as in September. Wages and salaries, the largest component of personal income, increased 0.3 percent in October after increasing 0.5 percent in September.</p>
<p>Current-dollar disposable personal income (DPI), after-tax income, increased 0.5 percent in October after increasing 0.4 percent in September.</p>
</blockquote>
Thu, 30 Nov 2017 11:50:44 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/personal-income-increased-octoberRegistration Now Open For 2018 SelectUSA Investment Summithttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/registration-now-open-2018-selectusa-investment-summit
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/rosssusa.jpg?itok=yE_HKiN8" width="200" height="200" alt="U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross at the 2017 SelectUSA Investment Summit" /></span>
<p>Today, I am pleased to announce that registration is open for the 2018 SelectUSA Investment Summit, with this year’s theme of: <strong>Invest Here. Grow Here. Succeed Here.</strong></p>
<p>The SelectUSA Investment Summit will take place on June 20-22, 2018, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center near Washington. The goal is to connect global business leaders with U.S. states and their economic development organizations (EDOs) to facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States.</p>
<p>The Summit is the pre-eminent event highlighting inbound investment opportunities throughout the United States, and our record of success proves that. Since our first Summit four years ago, participants have announced more than $71 billion in new investment projects into the United States, supporting thousands of jobs, expanding exports, and driving innovation through manufacturing, services, and increased research and development.</p>
<p>The Summit has helped the United States attracts more FDI than any other country in the world, with a total of $3.7 trillion at the end of 2016. These investments support more than 13 million direct and indirect U.S. jobs, and account for more than one-quarter of all U.S. goods exports of $353 billion.</p>
<p>The 2017 Summit attracted more than 3,000 attendees, including more than 1,200 global investors from 64 different markets and more than 600 economic development officials from 51 states and territories.</p>
<p>The Summit displays the pro-growth environment President Trump is creating through initiatives such as regulatory relief, tax reform, and increased energy production. I am confident these will help to maintain the United States as the #1 investment destination in the world. I look forward to seeing you next June at the Summit.</p>
<p>For registration and information regarding the 2018 SelectUSA Investment Summit, go to <a href="https://www.selectusasummit.us/?utm_source=website&amp;utm_campaign=2018summit&amp;utm_medium=usg" target="_blank">www.selectusasummit.us</a>.</p>
Wed, 29 Nov 2017 14:23:16 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/registration-now-open-2018-selectusa-investment-summitU.S. Economy Grows Faster than Expected in 3rd Quarterhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/us-economy-grows-faster-expected-3rd-quarter
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/facebook_post_3rdquarter2017gdp33percent.jpg?itok=oEymsyt2" width="200" height="200" alt="Economy Grew at at 3.3% Pace in the 3rd Quarter of 2017" /></span>
<p>The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) announced that the U.S. economy grew at a 3.3 percent pace in their third quarter of 2017 – <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/us-economy-grew-3-pace-2nd-straight-quarter">faster than their initial estimate of 3.0 percent</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://blog.bea.gov/2017/11/29/gdp-increases-in-third-quarter-8/" target="_blank">More from BEA</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>GDP Increases in Third Quarter</strong></p>
<p>Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased 3.3 percent in the third quarter of 2017, according to the “second” estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the second quarter of 2017, real GDP increased 3.1 percent.</p>
<p>The increase in real GDP reflected increases in consumer spending, inventory investment, business investment, and exports. A notable offset to these increases was a decrease in housing investment. Imports, which are a subtraction from GDP, decreased.</p>
<p>The increase in consumer spending reflected increases in spending on both goods and services. The increase in goods was primarily attributable to motor vehicles. The increase in services primarily reflected increases in health care, financial services and insurance, and recreation services.</p>
<p>The increase in inventory investment primarily reflected increases in the manufacturing and wholesale trade industries. The increase in business investment reflected increases in equipment and intellectual property products; these increases were partly offset by a decrease in structures.</p>
</blockquote>
Wed, 29 Nov 2017 11:02:59 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/us-economy-grows-faster-expected-3rd-quarterSpotlight on Commerce: Sydnee Chattin, U.S. Census Bureauhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/spotlight-commerce-sydnee-chattin-us-census-bureau
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/sydneechattinpic.jpg?itok=Nt7qr9fn" width="200" height="200" alt="Sydnee Chattin, U.S. Census Bureau" /></span>
<p><em><strong>Ed. note: This post is part of the Spotlight on Commerce series highlighting the contributions of Department of Commerce employees during National Native American Heritage Month.</strong></em></p>
<p><em>By Sydnee Chattin, Assistant Division Chief, Decennial Support Programs, Field Division, <a href="https://www.census.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Census Bureau</a></em></p>
<p>I serve as the Assistant Division Chief, Decennial Support Programs, Field Division at the U.S. Census Bureau. My responsibilities include program development for the 2020 Census Partnership Program, the Quality Assurance Program, and the Special Census Program.</p>
<p>Specifically, I work directly with our six regional offices to develop a nationwide partnership program to reach “hard-to-count” population groups enabling the Census Bureau to engage, educate and encourage participation in the upcoming 2020 Census.</p>
<p>While attending college, I started with Census as a temporary hire in the Denver Regional Office. And, I have continued my career with the Census Bureau for 31 years. Over the years, I have worked at two other regional offices (Atlanta and Kansas City). During my time in these offices, I had the opportunity to work with many tribal governments – as well as directly with the American Indian and Alaska Native populations.</p>
<p>For the 2000 Census, I developed the American Indian and Alaska Native Program to help ensure that every person is counted in the decennial Census – this program is still being used today. I feel so fortunate I have been a part of providing service to help the tribes throughout my career.</p>
<p>I come from an American Indian family. My father and mother – who are both enrolled members of the Blackfeet Indian Nation – and stepfather all influenced me throughout my career. All three had very successful government careers working with tribal governments and American Indian and Alaskan Native populations.</p>
<p>During my youth, my father worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior. He was the first Director of the newly created Division of Self-Determination Services and had the responsibility to implement all aspects of Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act. My father’s job required him to travel and work with many American Indian tribes. While growing up, we lived on a diverse range of reservations including Navajo, Blackfeet, Northern Cheyenne, Apache, Laguna, Flathead and Colorado River.</p>
<p>My extended Blackfeet family also played a sustaining role in my dedication to tribal traditions and culture. As a child, I went to the local schools and this exposed me to many different Indian cultures and provided me the background to understand and work with the tribes I came in contact with while working at the Census Bureau</p>
<p>Celebrating National Native American Heritage Month each year has been valuable in bringing attention to the American Indian and Alaska Native’s community and culture. It helps increase awareness of the important traditions and cultural differences of the American Indian and Alaska Native people. It provides awareness of the past, the present and the future of the people who were the original inhabitants of North America. For me personally, this month is a time to reflect on what the Native Americans have accomplished and an opportunity to refresh my own awareness and importance of being an American Indian.</p>
Mon, 27 Nov 2017 13:49:38 -0500kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/11/spotlight-commerce-sydnee-chattin-us-census-bureau